Cozy Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze – 7 Simple Steps

When apples are overflowing at the market (or maybe your neighbor’s tree is dropping them like candy from the sky), there’s no better excuse to whip up these Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze. Imagine the soft chew of a brownie, but instead of cocoa, you get warm cinnamon-kissed apples tucked into every bite. And then—because we’re not stopping at “just good”—a drizzle of silky maple glaze crowns the whole pan.

These apple brownies are fall in dessert form: cozy, inviting, and slightly indulgent. They’re perfect for bake sales, family dinners, or that “I need a little something sweet with my coffee” moment we all know too well. Plus, they’re simple enough to throw together on a weeknight (because sometimes, joy doesn’t need a special occasion).

Let’s dive in, friend, because these bars are about to become your new favorite way to use apples.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Brownies Recipe

• Cozy flavors: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple create that warm, fall-hug hug in dessert form.
• Foolproof baking: No complicated steps—just whisk, stir, and bake.
• Crowd-pleasing: They slice beautifully into neat squares, perfect for sharing.
• Versatile: Works as dessert, coffee snack, or even a not-so-secret breakfast treat.
• Kid-approved: The apple chunks soften just enough to make every bite sweet and tender.

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Ingredients

For the Apple Brownies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (about 2 cups)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Maple Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prep the oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment, leaving overhang.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Make the wet mixture: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
4. Combine: Stir dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Fold in apples. Don’t overmix.
5. Bake: Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
6. Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.
7. Finish: Drizzle glaze over cooled brownies. Let set 15 minutes before slicing into squares.

⏰ Time & Serving Info

• Prep: 15 minutes
• Bake: 40 minutes
• Cooling + Glazing: 45 minutes
• Total: 1 hr 40 mins
• Servings: 16 squares
• Calories: ~250 kcal per serving

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Kaylee Tips for Perfect Apple Brownies

• Use firm apples: Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold up beautifully. Softer apples can turn mushy.
• Chop small, not chunky: Tiny apple cubes melt into the batter, giving you even bites of flavor.
• Don’t skimp on the glaze: It’s the secret weapon that takes these from “yum” to “oh my goodness.”
• Line the pan: Parchment with overhang is a lifesaver when lifting out the cooled brownies.

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Bake It With the Littles

These apple brownies are basically baking playtime:

• Kids can peel apples with a safe peeler (bonus: snack on the scraps).
• Let them stir the glaze—it’s nearly impossible to mess up.
• Turn it into a math lesson by having them count apple pieces or square slices.
• Pro tip: Give them their own mini pan for “kid brownies.” Instant smiles.

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Meal-Prep Magic

Here’s where these shine:

• Make ahead: Bake and cool the brownies a day in advance, then glaze just before serving.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: Skip the glaze, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost, glaze, and serve.

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Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

Want to lighten things up? Try these:

• Whole wheat flour: Swap half for a nuttier, fiber-rich bite.
• Coconut sugar: Use instead of granulated sugar for a lower-glycemic option.
• Greek yogurt: Replace half the butter with plain Greek yogurt for added protein.
• Gluten-free: A 1:1 baking blend works well here.

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Leftover Remix

If you somehow have leftovers (rare, but it happens), here’s how to repurpose them:

• Apple brownie parfaits: Layer cubes with whipped cream or yogurt.
• French toast bites: Dip cubes in egg mixture, pan-fry, and drizzle with maple syrup.
• Ice cream topping: Crumble over vanilla ice cream with extra maple glaze.

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Gift It Like a Pro

These apple brownies travel beautifully, making them a sweet little gift.

• Slice, wrap in parchment, and tie with twine for rustic charm.
• Place in a festive tin with a small bottle of maple syrup tucked in.
• Pair with a handwritten recipe card—because gifts that keep giving are the best kind.

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FAQs

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use two 9×13 pans or a sheet pan, but watch the bake time.

Can I make this without glaze?
Sure, but the maple glaze is what makes these unforgettable.

Do these taste like cake or brownies?
They’re dense and chewy like brownies but with the spice of an apple cake. Best of both worlds!

Can I use applesauce instead of chopped apples?
You can replace up to 1 cup of apples with applesauce, but don’t skip all the chunks—they add texture.

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Final Thought

These Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze are the kind of recipe that feels like a hug from the inside out. They’re cozy, simple, and just indulgent enough to make any day feel a little more special. Whether you’re baking with your kids, prepping for a potluck, or sneaking one with your morning coffee (zero judgment here), this recipe will quickly earn a permanent spot in your fall baking rotation.

Bake a batch, drizzle that maple goodness, and let the aroma of apples and cinnamon fill your home. Trust me, it’s pure magic.

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